NSWMA Endorses Senate Resolution Supporting Recycling

Calls for Improvements in the Collection, Processing and Consumption of Recycling Materials

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2011
Contact: Thom Metzger, 202-364-3751 or tmetzger@envasns.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, August 2, Senator Thomas R. Carper of Delaware and Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine, co-chairs of the Senate Recycling Caucus, introduced S. 251, a resolution supporting improvement in the collection, processing and use of recyclable materials throughout the United States.  The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) joins groups such as the National Recycling Coalition, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, associations representing manufacturers of recycled content products such as the steel and aluminum industries and many state recycling organizations in endorsing this resolution. 

In describing support of the resolution and its call for improved recycling, NSWMA’s President and CEO Bruce J. Parker stated, “The National Solid Wastes Management Association, whose members collect and process municipal recyclables throughout the United States, is proud to endorse this resolution. Recycling is an essential part of our nation’s solid waste management system. Recycling allows us to conserve vital natural resources and helps Americans save money by reducing energy costs. Recycling also means cleaner land, air and water.”

Chaz Miller, NSWMA’s government affairs director, added, “We strongly support the goals of this resolution. Senators Carper and Snowe recognize the importance of maintaining America’s recycling infrastructure.  As the resolution states, recycling thrives in a competitive marketplace with strong markets in both this country and abroad.  The recycling industry overcame a serious challenge when commodity markets collapsed three years ago.  Those markets have revived strongly. Our challenge now is to continue to expand the amount and types of materials recycled so that we can reap additional environmental benefits.”

The resolution was referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

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NSWMA – a sub-association of the Environmental Industry Associations (EIA) – represents for-profit companies in North America that provide solid, hazardous and medical waste collection, recycling and disposal services, and companies that provide professional and consulting services to the waste services industry. NSWMA members conduct business in all 50 states. For more information, visit NSWMA.org.